I was in active labor for AN HOUR AND A HALF from the start of active labor to the delivery of the placenta! I started having contractions at about 2 yesterday morning that were 6 minutes apart and 1 minute long. My midwives got here about 8 to check on me and I was still 1-2 cm, 50% effaced and at 0 station. They told me to go for a walk, which I did but the contractions didn't get any closer together, just longer. So I took a shower because I was sweaty and I was in the shower praying that the baby would just come, that things would just happen. My best friend who lives in Mira Mesa came in and we talked about her heading home to get her hubby and a quick nap since we were sure that we had several hours left. She was gone about 10 minutes (and didn't have a cell phone with her) when I started having contractions way closer together that were double and triple peaking. Needless to say, she ended up missing the birth but she said she was praying all the way here and all the way home for a quick and painless as possible birth for me. That's exactly what happened! Colin kept trying to time them but they wouldn't give him an end to start timing at. So he called my midwives who were actually pulling into the driveway to check on me. This was at 11. They took one look at me and smiled, the sadists that they are. After about 20 minutes on the couch, they suggested that I go to the bathroom. As soon as I peed, I went into transition BIG TIME. I ended up being stuck on the toilet for a while but it was ok since my water broke into the toilet. Nice easy clean up there. I don't know if I told anyone in this group but I was planning on writing scripture on my mirror to concentrate on while in labor. The favorite was Joshua 1:9 (for several reasons): Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.?I was stuck on the toilet, quoting it to myself when I could actually talk and every time I would say it, I would get this insane surge of hormones! It was so strong I would start crying just from the hormones. My hubby started filling the birth tub for me and it seemed to take FOREVER! When it was done, I walked the 3 steps from the toilet to the tub, had one contraction in between and, when my feet hit the water (not even my butt but my feet!) I needed to push. I was finally able to sit down and get situated. Five minutes of pushing later and out came Joshua Azzariah Skidmore at exactly 12 noon! He came so fast that my mom, who was outside with Dylan, didn't even know that I was pushing!

He weighs a whooping 9 lbs 4 oz, is 22 inches long and has a head circumfrence of 14 inches. He latched on like an old pro (and enjoyed nursing for 5 hours in the middle of the night last night, much to Mommy's distress) and is totally perfect. He looks so much like Dylan did when D was a newborn, they could be twins! I am so amazed by him. It was kinda surreal when he was born bc we weren't expecting him yesterday or to come that fast. And I will never forget the power of prayer and scripture in making my birth what it was. It was totally amazing.

To anyone thinking about a home birth, it was the best experience I could have asked for. So stress free and comfortable. And the best part was that the midwives didn't only allow Colin to participate, they pretty much insisted. They let him feel the baby crowning, made him help catch the baby and cut the cord, which we all things he missed out on with Dylan.